
At 100, Dr Mahathir says advisory role in PN better than PM
Dr Mahathir said his age no longer allowed him to take on front-line leadership, but his decades of experience in politics could still serve the nation.
"I'm old now… a hundred years old. I can't give fiery speeches like I used to. I'm not here to take the place of the younger generation.
"I'm not looking to become prime minister again. But I do want to offer advice.
"I've been prime minister for 24 years and involved in politics for over 80 years," he told a crowd at the Himpunan Mandat Negarawanrally at Stadium Suka Menanti yesterday.
Also present were Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, PN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Dr Mahathir said Malaysia was a resource-rich country and that poverty should not exist if national assets were managed prudently.
"This country is rich. Everyone should be wealthy. But if we don't know how to make full use of the assets we have, we will never progress," he said.
He added that a PN-led administration would make eradicating poverty a top priority, claiming the current government had failed to do so.
"As a government, our focus must be on resolving poverty. PN can do it. We can reduce poverty. That's our hope, that's the purpose of our gathering tonight."
Dr Mahathir said that, should PN take over Putrajaya, its leadership would be one that listened to advice.
"If there is a change in government, we will have a prime minister who is willing to listen to advice. I believe, if that happens, many issues can be resolved," he said.
The rally was described by PN leaders as a curtain-raiser for a larger gathering scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on July 26, aimed at pressuring Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to step down.

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New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Thai, Cambodian leaders to meet in Malaysia for ceasefire consultation
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Free Malaysia Today
5 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Turun Anwar? It'll be Anwar Naik, for a second term
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New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Analysts: Opposition rally more about election messaging than toppling PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Political analysts said the Turun Anwar protest appeared like an attempt to sway public sentiment, acting as groundwork for election messaging rather than a realistic attempt to force Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's resignation. "The rally appeared more like a calculated effort by opposition leaders to sway public sentiment, spotlight government failures, and lay groundwork for election messaging, rather than a realistic attempt to force Anwar's resignation via legislative means. "While the rhetoric was about demanding Anwar's resignation, the opposition seems to lack parliamentary strength for a legitimate no‑confidence motion," University Malaya political analyst Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said. He added that with a lack of parliamentary motion, resignations, and Anwar remaining in office, the rally didn't produce institutional or leadership change. Meanwhile, Sunway University political scientist Professor Wong Chin Huat said that the rally was an attempt for Perikatan Nasional (PN) to remain relevant. "So, if Anwar steps down and a new government is formed with most of the existing Madani parliamentarians, the new government is likely to continue most of Madani's policies PN condemns. PN knows this. "PN needs this protest just to stay relevant – its momentum is residing whenever the prospect of regime change appears dim. "And of course, Hamzah's supporters are pushing for his own rise by testing the water with 'Naik Hamzah' (opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin) placards," Wong said. However, while PN hoped to capitalise on the discontent over institutional reforms and democratic backsliding, Wong said, other than Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) which sent a representative to participate, no other party or NGO which represented the liberal-minority constituency played along with PN. He added that the rally was an attempt to push a narrative that Anwar has lost the Malays' support, and Umno, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and others would leave the government. To Wong, the rally was a failure compared to the 2018 Anti-ICERD Rally, which saw a turnout over 50,000. Nonetheless, it seemed to have relative successes. The organisers' claim that the turnout would be higher than yesterday's 18,000 people, successfully drew national and regional media attention to the event, Awang Azman said. The media previously reported that Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin claimed that the turnout would reach a million. "Media traction and policy responses were gained, but there was no toppling of leadership, and turnout was modest enough for the unity government to claim democratic legitimacy," the analyst said. The professor also said that ahead of the rally, the prime minister's announcement of RM100 cash aid for all Malaysians and slashing Ron95 petrol prices to RM1.99/litre, was deemed as a catalysed government response to the rally. "It's widely interpreted as an effort to defuse public anger and dampen turnout. "The administration's decision to respond with targeted aid and fuel price relief reflects a willingness to listen and adapt which indicates responsiveness rather than confrontation," Awang Azman said.